Steak knives are an essential item to have in your kitchen. It makes the dining experience much more enjoyable. But what is the best knife to cut steak?
The best knife to cut steak should be safe to use, efficient, and also allowing you to cut effortlessly through even the toughest pieces of meat. For this reason, there are many features to consider before purchasing one. When it comes to cutting steak, quality matters.
It should be noted, not every knife is made for cutting steak. Paring knives are for fruits, utility knives for veggies, butter knives, well, for butter. Each knife is different than the next, and each knife has a specific purpose. Hence, when it comes to cutting steak, steak knives should be your first choice.
What is the best knife to cut steak, then? There’s a lot of features to consider before choosing a steak knife. And in this article, we will go through everything there is to know about steak knives.
7 Features to Look for in The Best Knife to Cut Steak
You can determine the best knife to cut steak by assessing certain features. The knife’s weight, for instance. Some people prefer heavier knives while others prefer lightweight knives. The size and length of a steak knife are other important features. Steak knives should feel comfortable in your hands when slicing a piece of meat.
Blade Material
When it comes to blade materials, opt for high-carbon stainless steel. This material is known for holding its sharpness for a long time in comparison to other types of blade materials, such as ceramic, stainless steel, Japanese steel, or German steel.
Although all of these materials are of premium quality, the high-carbon stainless steel blades are one step above. Furthermore, it’s extremely resistant to corrosion and rust.
Handles
The best knife to cut steak should have the best handle. Handle that is comfortable to use when cutting steak. The three main types of handle are wood, plastic, and stainless steel.
Wooden handles are considered the most attractive, but most are not water-resistant. As a result, they are harder to care for and not as durable. The plastic handles are easiest to clean, but they can be slippery in your hand, and they can crack over time due to ultraviolet damage. The stainless steel handles are generally the most durable, and most sanitary. But they can become slippery if wet, as well as heavy in comparison to wooden and plastic handles.
Maintenance
Maintenance is very important when it comes to steak knives. Some steak knives must be hand-washed, while others can be dishwasher-friendly. You don’t want your knives to get dull or rusted. The blade material and handle material play a huge role in maintenance. Keep this in mind when searching for your steak knives.
Size
Steak knives can range in length from 5 inches to 10 inches. Smaller knives are easier to hold, cut, and maintain, while longer knives look better when placed on a dinner table. Choosing the best knife to cut steak will come down to your personal preference, and the size of your hands.
Weight
Lightweight steak knives are easier to handle and maneuver, however, heavier knives are often more proficient when cutting. With heavier steak knives, gravity is on your side and can assist you when cutting. The weight will depend on the knife’s size, blade material, and handle material.
Balance
Even if two knives weigh the same, they might feel different in your hand. Choose a steak knife that feels comfortable to you. The balance will depend on the knife’s design. Whether the knife features a full tang or a partial tang, the material of the blade, and the shape of the knife.
Appearance
If you want your steak knives to spark a conversation, the appearance of the knives should be dependent on your taste. Some steak knives have a modern design and some a rustic design. The market is full of designs worth considering.
Types of Steak Knives
The type of steak knife you choose can make a huge difference in the way you cut the meat. The three most common types are straight, serrated, and hollow steak knives. Understanding the difference can help you choose the best knife to cut steak.
Straight-edge Blades
This design is straightforward. With a straight-edge steak knife, you can cut a smoother and cleaner slice of meat, whether soft or hard.
Pros
- Shaper than serrated.
- Maintenance is easy.
- Elegant and faster cutting.
Cons
- Gets dull pretty quick.
- Requires sharpening fairly often.
Serrated-edge Blades
Serrated blades have saw-like edges. The size of the teeth along the blade can vary depending on the size and the design of the blade. These blades are perfect for cutting hard and thick steaks.
Pros
- More durable.
- Stay sharper for longer periods of time.
- Don’t need as much maintenance.
Cons
- Tears through the meat.
- Can be difficult to sharpen.
Hollow-edge Blades
This is the least common of the three types. The unique characteristic of these blades is the indentations just above the edge of the blade. These indentations create micro air bubbles that enable a cleaner cut.
Pros
- Able to cut thinner slices.
- The indentations prevent the food from sticking to the blade.
Cons
- Difficult to sharpen.
- If you’re cutting a big and sturdy steak, deeper indentations can get the knife wedged in more easily, making a mess.
Conclusion
Professional chefs use a combination of steak knives. However, what they all have in common are the high-quality materials that they are made out of. Moreover, if they are taken care of properly, they can last for generations.
To sum up, if you are new to the world of steak knives, it’s natural to have questions. For more quality information about steak knives, visit our website. You shouldn’t settle for anything less until you find the best knife to cut steak.